Klees has recovered nicely from his surgery, but his annual checkup now includes a colonoscopy.

He's not complaining, and please pass that gallon jug of liquid laxative.

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also one of the most preventable through screening.

As one might imagine, Klees is excited for the start of preseason practice on Monday.

While the War Eagles' roster features only eight seniors, it does feature two of the nation's top underclassmen in quarterback Feleipe Franks and junior receiver Keith Gavin.

Franks has verbally committed to LSU and Gavin to Florida State.

Plus, Wakulla is extremely testy about not making the playoffs last season from its three-team district that also features Godby and Rickards.

That lingering disappointment has been channeled into fierce motivation this summer.

It has been a busy and productive July for the War Eagles.

During one stretch, they spent 13 of 14 days on the road for camps and 7-on-7 competitions from Marianna to Hoover, Ala.

As the daily football grind returns, a thankful and energized Klees is trying to maintain his overall health and colon health – even if stern reminders from his wife Nicole are needed at times.

"When I looked at my wife and three boys, I said, 'Lord, I better get healthy in a hurry,' " Klees said of his cancer scare.

"I looked at everything that was going on, and to me the timing was bad. But you quickly understand that God has a plan for everything."